Dear StJPII Parents,

I am so incredibly grateful to our community for coming together during this trying time. Over the past week, volunteers have collected and distributed uniforms and supplies to our affected families and I have firsthand witnessed Christ’s love outpouring! Many faculty and staff members made the journey to campus yesterday and today to assist in the process of re-opening the school.  I can see Jesus working through us all as we lean on each other, listen to each other’s stories, offer words of encouragement, and arrange for more ways to offer help.

I understand that for many families, starting school tomorrow is a daunting task. The inaccessibility of roads, the increased amount of traffic, as well as many who have been displaced is adding to the stress and anxiety we have all been feeling. At this time, we are offering the soft opening as a beacon of hope to all of our children as we learn how we can endure through struggle and begin to move ahead and look forward to the future plans God is laying out before us. What these children need right now is familiarity –a tender hug from their teacher, the sound of their friends’ laughs, and the feeling of HOME. Please see below answers to some questions you may have.

What are the school hours Wednesday-Friday this week?
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 / 3:15 / 3:30 p.m. Regular arrival and dismissal procedures are in place.

How should I get to school?
I advise you to use this time before the school districts start to plan your route and coordinate carpools. We continue to pray that more roads will open up as the days go on; google and Waze apps are most up to date.

Will BASP be available?
Before and after school care will be available 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. to all families free of charge, regardless of whether or not you are enrolled. We hope this eases the stress for working parents to get to work on time. (all morning care will meet in the BAC).

What happens to Athletics & After School Clubs/activities?
Athletics: Begins Week of September 11th
Afterschool clubs/activities: Begins Week of September 18th

What do I wear to school?
The school will allow free dress until further notice. Please try to follow free dress guidelines in the handbook ; however we are flexible to whatever you can do.

How will my child eat lunch?
You are welcome to bring a sack lunch or students are welcome to eat in our cafeteria free of charge from ECI (our catering service).

What if I still need uniforms or supplies?
We will have these available for pick-up after arrival Wednesday-Friday in St. Jude Hall.

Is the school calendar changing?
All scheduled parent meetings have been postponed until further notice. School events, including trips, are still on the calendar and we will update you ASAP if any changes are made. 

Will my child miss curriculum and have a hard time catching up?
NO. Please understand that we will be sensitive to all the needs of the students throughout this time. The teachers are prepared to assist all students as we ease back into a regular routine in the upcoming weeks. We will not be following our normal grading schedule until further notice.

Will my child be penalized for being late or absent?
NO. We will be sensitive and compassionate as we all adjust coming back to school.

Is the school safe with water conserving in the area?
YES. I spoke to the City of Houston myself. I was assured that I was not restricted to opening school and was asked to be cautious in conservation.

We are continuing to assess the needs of our families and I ask that you keep in contact with your homeroom teacher. Stay tuned as we will also be adding a page to our website with many resources for Harvey recovery. As we approach next week, we will continue to monitor traffic patterns, as well as the start of surrounding school districts, and will send you an updated schedule soon.

As always, I thank you for your continued prayers and support. We are so very fortunate to begin tomorrow with Mass at 9:30 a.m. Any and all are welcome. We will start this new journey with prayers of thanksgiving for safety and petitions for our whole community to experience God’s love, mercy, and compassion as we rebuild.

In Him We Trust,